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Abstract:

This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods for
use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described provide
for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system. Embodiments
of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and device status
information and historical alarm information to the operator. Embodiments
also direct interaction with the alarming functions of the device by the
operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be
provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such
as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the
operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on any
current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

Claims:

1. A medical device comprising: a processor that monitors operation of
the medical device and that determines a current status of the medical
device; one or more indicators visible in a 360 degree arc around the
medical device when viewed from a predetermined height, the one or more
indicators including: a current status indicator adapted to display a
different color or a different combination of color and behavior based on
the current status of the medical device; and a secondary indicator
adapted to display a different color or a different combination of color
and behavior based on a highest historical status of the medical device.

2. The medical device of claim 1, wherein one or more of the indicators
comprises multiple separate zones.

3. The medical device of claim 2, wherein at least one of the multiple
separate zones is visible in the 360 arc around the ventilator.

4. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the current status indicator is
above the secondary indicator when the medical device is an operational
position.

5. The medical device of claim 1, wherein at least one of the current
status indicator and secondary indicator is interactive.

6. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the medical device further
includes an exotic gas indicator adapted to indicate when an exotic gas
is being delivered to a patient via the medical device.

8. The medical device of claim 6, wherein the exotic gas indicator can
display multiple colors and indicates that an exotic gas is used during
ventilation by displaying a color associated with the exotic gas.

9. The medical device of claim 6, wherein the exotic gas indicator
indicates that an exotic gas is used during ventilation by displaying a
combination of color and behavior associated with the exotic gas.

10. The medical device of claim 1, wherein the medical device includes an
audible alarm.

11. A method of displaying alarm statuses on a medical device for use
during mechanical ventilation, the method comprising: displaying a
current alarm status via a current status indicator visible in a 360
degree arc around the medical device when viewed from a predetermined
height; and displaying a highest historical alarm status via a secondary
indicator visible in the 360 degree arc around the medical device when
viewed from the predetermined height.

12. The method of claim 11, further comprising: displaying an exotic gas
status via an exotic gas indicator visible in the 360 degree arc around
the medical device when viewed from the predetermined height.

13. The method of claim 12, wherein the displaying an exotic gas status
operation further comprises: displaying a color or combination of color
and behavior to indicate a specific range of exotic gas delivered to a
patient.

14. The method of claim 13, wherein the displaying an exotic gas status
operation further comprises: displaying a color or combination of color
and behavior to indicate a specific exotic gas being delivered to a
patient.

15. The method of claim 11, wherein the displaying a current status
operation further comprises: displaying a color or combination of color
and behavior to indicate the current alarm status.

16. The method of claim 11, wherein the displaying a highest historical
status further comprises: displaying a color or combination of color and
behavior to indicate the highest historical alarm status.

17. A ventilation system comprising: a processor communicably coupled to
a computer readable medium, wherein the computer readable medium includes
instructions executable by the processor to: determine a current alarm
status of the ventilation system based on data from at least one sensor;
display the current alarm status via a current status indicator visible
in a 360 degree arc around the ventilation system when viewed from a
predetermined height; and display a highest historical alarm status via a
secondary indicator visible in the 360 degree arc around the ventilation
system when viewed from the predetermined height.

18. The ventilation system of claim 17, wherein the computer readable
medium includes instructions executable by the processor to: determine an
exotic gas status; and display the exotic gas status at an exotic gas
indicator visible in the 360 degree arc around the ventilation system
when viewed from the predetermined height.

19. The ventilation system of claim 17, wherein the current status
indicator displays one of a plurality of different colors or combinations
of colors and behaviors to indicate the current status.

20. The ventilation system of claim 17, wherein the highest historical
status indicator displays one of a plurality of different colors or
combinations of colors and behaviors to indicate the current status until
reset by an operator.

Description:

RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Application
No. 61/266,692, filed Dec. 4, 2009, which application is hereby
incorporated by reference. This application also is related to co-owned
application number ______ entitled Interactive Multilevel Alarm, and
application number ______ entitled Display of Historical Alarm Status,
all filed ______, the entire disclosures of which are hereby incorporated
herein by reference.

INTRODUCTION

[0002] A ventilator is a device that mechanically helps patients breathe
by replacing some or all of the muscular effort required to inflate and
deflate the lungs. Ventilators also achieve a regulatory function during
the ventilation process. A ventilator measures numerous physiological and
operational parameters, including but not limited to exotic gas
utilization, peak inspiratory pressure, battery failure and filter
replacement. Depending on the status of the different parameters, it may
be necessary for the ventilator to generate an alarm to indicate to the
operator that attention is required.

Apparatus for an Alarm Indication System

[0003] This disclosure describes embodiments of alarm systems and methods
for use in devices such as medical ventilators. Embodiments described
below provide for an apparatus of an interactive multilevel alarm system.
Embodiments of the alarms also provide, at a glance, current alarm and
device status information and historical alarm information to the
operator. Embodiments also detect interaction with the alarm indicator by
the operator. In some embodiments, additional visual indicators may be
provided to identify non-normal or noteworthy operating conditions, such
as the use of a therapeutic gas by a mechanical ventilator, so that the
operator can assess the impact of that non-normal condition on the
current and historical alarm information simultaneously provided.

[0004] In one aspect, the disclosure describes a medical device with a set
of alarm indicators visible in a 360 degree arc around the device when
viewed from a predetermined height so that the indicators can be seen
from anywhere in a room. In this aspect, the medical device includes a
processor that monitors operation of the medical device and that
determines a current status of the medical device. One or more indicators
are provided which are visible in a 360 degree arc around the medical
device when viewed from a predetermined height. The one or more
indicators, which be a collection of separate, non-contiguous zones,
include a current status indicator adapted to display a different color
or a different combination of color and behavior based on the current
status of the device and a secondary indicator adapted to display a
different color or a different combination of color and behavior based on
a highest historical status of the device.

[0005] The disclosure also describes a method of displaying alarm statuses
on a medical device for use during mechanical ventilation. The method
includes displaying a current alarm status via a current status indicator
visible in a 360 degree arc around the medical device when viewed from a
predetermined height. In addition, the method includes displaying a
highest historical alarm status via a secondary indicator visible in the
360 degree arc around the medical device when viewed from the
predetermined height.

[0006] The disclosure further describes a ventilation system for providing
respiratory therapy to a patient. The ventilation system includes a
processor communicably coupled to a computer readable medium that stores
instructions executable by the processor. The instructions control the
operation of the alarm system for the ventilator and include instructions
to determine a current alarm status of the ventilation system based on
data from at least one sensor; display the current alarm status via a
current status indicator visible in a 360 degree arc around the
ventilation system when viewed from a predetermined height; and display a
highest historical alarm status via a secondary indicator visible in the
360 degree arc around the ventilation system when viewed from the
predetermined height.

[0007] These and various other features as well as advantages will be
apparent from a reading of the following detailed description and a
review of the associated drawings. Additional features are set forth in
the description that follows and, in part, will be apparent from the
description, or may be learned by practice of the described embodiments.
The benefits and features will be realized and attained by the structure
particularly pointed out in the written description and claims hereof as
well as the appended drawings.

[0008] It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description
and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and
are intended to provide further explanation of the claimed invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0009] The following drawing figures, which form a part of this
application, are illustrative of described technology and are not meant
to limit the scope of the invention as claimed in any manner, which scope
shall be based on the claims appended hereto.

[0010] FIG. 1 depicts a ventilator used during mechanical ventilation of a
patient.

[0011] FIGS. 2-6 provide different views of a ventilator having a display
and built into the top of the display housing a three indicator visual
alarm system comprising a lower, exotic gas indicator, a second indicator
consisting of a first and a second secondary indicator and a current
status indicator.

[0017]FIG. 7 depicts different ventilation urgency levels communicated by
different colors of light or combinations of light and behavior displayed
by the indicators. The illustrations are top views of only the current
status and secondary indicators showing the different color schemes for
an embodiment of operation. One side view is also shown.

[0018]FIG. 8 depicts different visual combinations of the different
indicators of the interactive multilevel alarm system from a top view.

[0019]FIG. 9 depicts a method of escalation or de-escalation in current
indicator status.

[0020]FIG. 10 depicts a method of indicating a highest historical
ventilator system status at a secondary indicator.

[0021] FIG. 11 depicts a method for providing interactivity with the
multilevel alarm system of the ventilator by making one or more of the
indicators an interactive element.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0022] Although the techniques introduced above and discussed in detail
below may be implemented for a variety of devices, the present disclosure
will discuss the implementation of these techniques for use in a
mechanical ventilator system for use in providing ventilation support to
a human patient. The reader will understand that the technology described
in the context of a medical ventilator for human patients could be
adapted for use with other systems such as ventilators for non-human
patients, different types of medical devices and any devices that can
generate multiple alarms or operate in one or more of multiple different
states.

[0023] Medical ventilators monitor the delivery of breathing gas to the
patient, may directly or indirectly monitor physiological parameters of
the patient, and monitor the operation of the ventilator. For the
purposes of this discussion, the ventilator will be referred to as
including an interactive multilevel alarm system as a way of collectively
talking about those elements in the control systems of the ventilator
that generate alarms based on the various parameters monitored by the
ventilator. The interactive multilevel alarm system includes a visible
alarm display system and may include an audible alarm generating system.
The visible alarm display system refers to those components (e.g. visible
indicators) other than the graphical user interface of the ventilator
that provide visible indications of alarms and ventilator status
information to the operator. Likewise, the audible alarm system refers to
those components (e.g. speakers and sound generators) responsible for
generating audible alarms.

[0024] The interactive multilevel alarm system indicates the current
status level of the ventilator at a current status indicator. The current
status indicator may be located on the ventilator such that the operator
may be able to see the current status indicator from any side or angle.
Depending on the settings provided, selected therapy and other
conditions, a ventilator may be designed to generate some number of
alarms of different magnitudes based on the current status level. Alarms
of different magnitudes may be grouped into arbitrary "levels" dictated
by the urgency or level of response deemed necessary by operators or by
some characteristic. For example, in the embodiments described in this
disclosure, at any given time while providing therapy to a patient a
ventilator may be in one of four different current conditions.

[0025] A "no current alarm" or normal operation status level;

[0026] A low-level alarm condition;

[0027] A medium-level alarm condition;

[0028] A high-level alarm condition.

[0029] Different current status levels displayed at the current status
indicator indicate to the operator that a different response is needed
and different visual and audible alarms may be associated with each
status level. For example, a low-level alarm may require no immediate
attention but is provided for informational purposes only. A medium-level
alarm may indicate that the operator should evaluate the conditions that
caused the alarm in order to determine if an action is necessary. A
high-level alarm condition may indicate a life-threatening or other
emergency that requires immediate attention.

[0030] For example, a low-level alarm may be generated when a measured
parameter, such as peak inspiratory pressure observed in a patient during
breathing, exceeds a threshold amount (an example of patient
physiological parameter being outside the targeted range); when a battery
has failed, a condensate collection cup is full or a filter needs
replacing (an example of an alarm being generated based on an operational
condition.) Similarly, the low level alarm may be "escalated" to a medium
level alarm if the measured parameter is observed to be in excess of the
threshold for a predetermined period of time. If the patient's total
exhaled tidal volume was to drop below the set point or the ventilator
determines that the patient has become disconnected from the ventilator,
a high-level alarm may be initiated. Escalation will be discussed further
herein.

[0031] FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a ventilator 100 connected to a
human patient 150. Ventilator 100 includes a pneumatic system 102 (also
referred to as a pressure generating system 102) for circulating
breathing gases to and from patient 150 via the ventilation tubing system
130, which couples the patient to the pneumatic system via an invasive
patient interface 152.

[0032] Ventilation may be achieved by invasive or non-invasive means.
Invasive ventilation, such as invasive patient interface 152, utilizes a
breathing tube, particularly an endotracheal tube (ET tube) or a
tracheostomy tube (trach tube), inserted into the patient's trachea in
order to deliver air to the lungs. Non-invasive ventilation may utilize a
mask or other device placed over the patient's nose and mouth. For the
purposes of this disclosure, an invasive patient interface 152 is shown
and described, although the reader will understand that the technology
described herein is equally applicable to any invasive or non-invasive
patient interface.

[0033] Airflow is provided via ventilation tubing circuit 130 and invasive
patient interface 152. Ventilation tubing circuit 130 may be a dual-limb
(shown) or a single-limb circuit for carrying gas to and from the patient
150. In a dual-limb embodiment as shown, a "wye fitting" 170 may be
provided to couple the patient interface 154 to an inspiratory limb 132
and an expiratory limb 134 of the ventilation tubing circuit 130.

[0034] Pneumatic system 102 may be configured in a variety of ways. In the
present example, system 102 includes an expiratory module 110 coupled
with the expiratory limb 134 and an inspiratory module 104 coupled with
the inspiratory limb 132. Compressor 106 or another source(s) of
pressurized gases (e.g., air, oxygen, and/or helium) is coupled with
inspiratory module 104 to provide a gas source for ventilatory support
via inspiratory limb 132.

[0035] The pneumatic system may include a variety of other components,
including sources for pressurized air and/or oxygen, mixing modules,
valves, sensors, tubing, accumulators, filters, etc. Controller 112 is
operatively coupled with pneumatic system 102, signal measurement and
acquisition systems, and an operator interface 120 may be provided to
enable an operator to interact with the ventilator 100 (e.g., change
ventilator settings, select operational modes, view monitored parameters,
etc.). Controller 110 may include memory 114, one or more processors 118,
storage 116, and/or other components of the type commonly found in
command and control computing devices.

[0036] The memory 112 is computer-readable storage media that stores
software that is executed by the processor 116 and which controls the
operation of the ventilator 100. In an embodiment, the memory 112
includes one or more solid-state storage devices such as flash memory
chips. In an alternative embodiment, the memory 112 may be mass storage
connected to the processor 116 through a mass storage controller (not
shown) and a communications bus (not shown). Although the description of
computer-readable media contained herein refers to a solid-state storage,
it should be appreciated by those skilled in the art that
computer-readable storage media can be any available media that can be
accessed by the processor 116. Computer-readable storage media includes
volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented
in any method or technology for storage of information such as
computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules or other
data. Computer-readable storage media includes, but is not limited to,
RAM, ROM, EPROM, EEPROM, flash memory or other solid state memory
technology, CD-ROM, DVD, or other optical storage, magnetic cassettes,
magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storage devices,
or any other medium which can be used to store the desired information
and which can be accessed by the computer.

[0037] The controller 110 issues commands to pneumatic system 102 in order
to control the breathing assistance provided to the patient by the
ventilator. The specific commands may be based on inputs received from
patient 150, pneumatic system 102 and sensors, operator interface 118
and/or other components of the ventilator. In the depicted example,
operator interface includes a display 120 that is touch-sensitive,
enabling the display to serve both as an input and output device.

[0038] As depicted, the alarm system 122 is communicatively connected to
the controller 110. The controller 110 of the ventilator can direct the
alarm system 122 to generate alarms under predetermined circumstances.
Different predetermined circumstances can cause the controller 110 to
communicate different alarm levels to the alarm system 122. The different
alarm levels communicated by the controller 110 cause the alarm system
122 to display different alarm statuses on alarm system indicators as
described herein. The controller 110 also communicates to the alarm
system 122 whether the ventilator is delivering an exotic gas to the
patient. Delivery of an exotic gas is also displayed by the alarm system
122 on an alarm system indicator as described herein.

[0039] The alarm system 122 is also communicatively connected, either
directly or indirectly, to the display 120. When the alarm system 122
detects an operator's input, the alarm system 122 causes the display 120
to display alarm conditions.

[0040]FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of a visible alarm display system
200. The visual alarm display system 200 includes alarm lights, referred
to herein as indicators. The visible alarm display system includes a
current status indicator 204, a secondary indicator, in this embodiment
made up of a first secondary indicator 202 and a second secondary
indicator 206, and an exotic gas indicator 208. The indicators may
include one or more of any type including incandescent lights, light
emitting diodes (LEDs), or other technology capable of creating visually
perceptible light.

[0041] The general operation of the current status indicator 204 has
already been discussed. The secondary indicator, which in the embodiment
shown consists of two non-contiguous zones 202 and 206, indicates the
highest historical alarm level. The highest historical alarm level
reflects the highest current status level reached since the alarm was
last reset. Thus, an operator viewing the secondary indicator 202 and 206
will instantly know if the ventilator has in the past been in an alarm
state regardless of its current status. Depending on the embodiment, the
secondary indicator 202 and 206 may indicate only the existence of a
historical alarm state higher than the current status of the ventilator.
In other words, the secondary indicator 202 and 206 will display the
current status level if the current status level is equal to or higher
than the highest historical status level. The secondary indicator 202 and
206 may also be referred to as a "latched indicator" to allude to its
function as latching to the highest alarm level seen by the ventilator
since the last time the alarm system was reset by the operator or the
ventilator was powered up.

[0042] The secondary indicator 202 and 206 in the illustrated embodiment
highlights that in the three indicator alarm described herein, any of the
indicators (i.e., the current status indicator, the secondary alarm
indicator and the exotic gas indicator) may consist of separate
individual indicators or zones that act together so that at least one
zone of each indicator is visible from all angles. When discussing
embodiments in which an indicator (i.e., the current status indicator,
the secondary alarm indicator and the exotic gas indicator) has multiple,
non-contiguous zones, the different zones will be referred to as a
"first" indicator and "second" indicator of that particular type (e.g.,
the first current status indicator and second current status indicator),
although the reader will understand that the first and second indicators
may also be referred to collective as a single indicator (e.g., the
current status indicator may consist of a first and second current status
indicator).

[0043] In the embodiment shown, for instance, the visual display system
includes a first secondary indicator 202 and a second secondary indicator
zone 206. The first secondary indicator 202 and the second secondary
indicator 206 flank either side of the current status indicator 204. In
an embodiment, the current status indicator 204 and secondary indicator
202 and 206 are located on the ventilator such that, when viewed from
predetermined heights such as heights above 4 feet above the floor on
which the ventilator is standing, at least one secondary indicator is
visible from any direction in a 360 degree arc around the ventilator.
That is, regardless of the relative angle of the operator to the
ventilator (e.g., facing the ventilator from the front, back, sides,
etc.) at least one of the two secondary indicators will be in view.

[0044] In the embodiments shown herein, this is achieved by placing the
indicators, with the current status indicator 204 above and the secondary
indicator below 202 and 206, on top of the highest point of the
ventilator. Other configurations are also possible including providing
multiple indicators at multiple locations around the housing of the
ventilator or providing indicators in the form of bands running around
the exterior of the ventilator at different heights.

[0045] In one embodiment, the current status indicator 204 and the
secondary indicators 202 and 206 are touch sensitive. Detection of an
operator's touch to either indicator is considered acknowledgement by a
user to address the alarm condition. In an embodiment, such an
acknowledgement may cause the alarm system to lower the volume, display
specific windows or information on the display or cease the emission of
an audible alarm associated with the current ventilator status level.

[0046] The interactive element may be able to differentiate between
different types of inputs from the operator, such as differentiating
between a tap, a touch starting from the left and going to the right and
a touch starting from the right and going to the left. Depending on what
type of input is received, the audible alarm may be modified in different
ways. For example, a tap may silence the alarm, a longer touch may pull
up a particular window on the display related to the alarm and a
left-to-right or right-to-left touch may make the alarm louder or
quieter.

[0047] Different interactive elements may be provided for the audible
alarm control and for the visual alarm control. For example, touching the
current status indicator 204 may control the audible alarm and touching
the secondary indicator 202 and 206 may clear the historical status level
so that the historical status level is reset to the current status level.
In yet another embodiment, the operator could bring up a control
panel/cause the ventilator to display a graphical user interface
associated with the alarm condition by touching the current status
indicator 204 or secondary indicator 202 and 206.

[0048] The interactive element may use any suitable technology or device
in order to detect the operator command. For example, in an embodiment an
indicator may incorporate a mechanical push switch so that the indicator
can be depressed by the operator's finger. Alternatively, a
touch-sensitive technology such as resistive, capacitive, acoustic pulse
recognition or any other technology, now known or later developed, for
detecting a user input. In an embodiment the entire display housing
including the visual indicators could be covered by a material, such as a
glass or polymer to create a unitary, smooth exterior surface into which
different interactive elements are located in different areas of the
cover material. Thus, different areas of the housing surface including
the surface of the visual indicators could be used as interface elements.

[0049] In yet another embodiment, additional interactive elements may be
provided at various locations on the ventilator for interacting with the
alarm system and controlling the audio and visual alarms. For example,
when an audible alarm is active an interactive element for controlling
volume may appear or be illuminated so that the operator is alerted to
the location of the element. As another example, the current status
indicator 204 could be one interactive element that silences the audible
alarm and another interactive element could be located somewhere else on
the ventilator to control the volume of the audible alarm, such as on the
main ventilator display.

[0050] The visible alarm display system may also include an exotic gas
indicator 208. In an embodiment, the exotic gas indicator 208 can be
viewed from any position around the ventilator. For example, in one
embodiment, each of the three indicators (current status, secondary and
exotic gas) are stacked, one on top of the other, and placed on top of
the highest component of the ventilator. The exotic gas indicator 208 may
be off until such time as an exotic gas is in use. In an embodiment, the
exotic gas indicator 208 may use a different color or color/behavior
combination for each different exotic gas so that the operators know
which gas is in use. Alternatively, a single color may be used in which
the gas in use cannot be determined from the indicator. Likewise, the
exotic gas indicator 208 may be adapted to also indicate specific ranges
of oxygen concentrations, for example lighting when a gas mix setting
such as oxygen drops below or exceeds an operator set limit. Such an
indication could be used to note a change in the patient's status. In
another embodiment, the exotic gas indicator can display different colors
to indicate different exotic gasses used during ventilation.

[0051] An interactive element may also be incorporated into the exotic gas
indicator 208. In an embodiment, for example, an operator could disable
the delivery of the exotic gas by touching the exotic gas indicator 208.
Alternatively, the operator could bring up a control panel/cause the
ventilator to display a graphical user interface associated with and/or
controlling the exotic gas delivery by touching the exotic gas indicator
208. Such an interactive element may or may not be disabled when there is
no exotic gas being delivered.

[0052] FIG. 3 depicts the visual alarm display system 300 from an oblique
view. As can be seen, the current status indicator 304, first secondary
indicatory 302, second secondary indicator 306, and exotic gas indicator
308 are all visible from the side angle.

[0053] FIG. 4 depicts the visual alarm display system 400 from a side
view. As can be seen, the current status indicator 402, second secondary
indicator 404, and exotic gas indicator 406 are all visible from the
side.

[0054] FIG. 5 depicts the visual alarm display system 500 from an oblique
rear view. As can be seen, the current status indicator 504, first
secondary indicator 506, second secondary indicator 502, and exotic gas
indicator 508 are all visible from the back angle.

[0055]FIG. 6 depicts the visual alarm display system from 600 a rear
view. As can be seen, the current status indicator 604, first secondary
indicator 606, second secondary indicator 602, and exotic gas indicator
608 are all visible from the back.

[0056]FIG. 7 depicts different ventilation urgency levels communicated by
different colors of light displayed by the indicators. In one embodiment,
any of the indicators are able to emit different colors of light for
different urgency levels. Indicators may also be able to flash or strobe
in order to attract more attention under certain circumstances. The
following table describes an embodiment of the indicators' different
colors and behavior during different status levels and de-escalation
scenarios.

[0058] A series of exemplary multilevel alarm scenarios are depicted in
FIG. 7. Alarm scenario 700 depicts an alarm with a current status of
normal, as indicated by the green current status indicator. The secondary
status indicator of alarm scenario 700 does not display any color. This
indicates that alarm scenario 700 has no historical status. The latched
status of alarm scenario 700 is that no alarm has been activated since
the alarm was last reset.

[0059] Alarm scenario 702 depicts an alarm with a current status of low or
medium, as indicated by the yellow current status indicator. The
secondary status indicator of alarm scenario 702 does not display any
color. This indicates that alarm scenario 702 has no historical status.
The latched status of alarm scenario 702 is that no alarm has been
activated since the alarm was last reset.

[0060] Alarm scenario 704 depicts an alarm with a current status of high,
as indicated by the red current status indicator. The secondary status
indicator of alarm scenario 704 also displays red. This indicates that
alarm scenario 704 has a current status equal to the highest historical
status. The latched status of alarm scenario 704 is not applicable
because the current status of the alarm scenario is the same as the
highest historical status.

[0061] Alarm scenario 706 depicts an alarm with a current status of
normal, as indicated by the green current status indicator. The secondary
status indicator of alarm scenario 706 displays yellow. This indicates
that alarm scenario 706 has a highest historical status of low or medium.
The latched status of alarm scenario 706 is that the alarm scenario has
displayed a low or medium alarm status since the alarm was last reset.
FIG. 7 also depicts a side view of alarm scenario 706. As can be seen,
both the current status indicator and the secondary status indicator are
visible from the side of the alarm system, with the current status
indicator located on top of the secondary indicator.

[0062] Alarm scenario 708 depicts an alarm with a current status of
normal, as indicated by the green current status indicator. The secondary
status indicator of alarm scenario 708 displays red. This indicates that
alarm scenario 708 has a highest historical status of high. The latched
status of alarm scenario 708 is that the alarm scenario has displayed a
high alarm status since the alarm was last reset.

[0063]FIG. 8 depicts different visual combinations of the different
indicators of interactive multilevel alarm system from a top view.
Combination 800 depicts an elliptical current status indicator 802
surrounded by an elliptical secondary indicator 806. The secondary
indicator 806 is surrounded by an elliptical exotic gas indicator 804.

[0064] Combination 808 depicts an elongated elliptical current status
indicator 812. The current status indicator is flanked by a first
secondary indicator 814 and a second secondary indicator 816. The current
status indicator 812, first secondary indicator 814, and second secondary
indicator 816 are surrounded by an elliptical exotic gas indicator 810.
In this embodiment, the first and second secondary indicators 814, 816
operate in unison and can be considered single embodiment of a secondary
indicator that can be viewed from all angles.

[0065] Combination 818 depicts a visual alarm that does not include an
exotic gas indicator. The current status indicator 820 separates the
first secondary indicator 822 from the second secondary indicator 824. As
depicted, the ends of the current status indicator 822 are wider than the
mid section of the current status indicator 822.

[0066] Combination 826 also depicts a visual alarm display that does not
include an exotic gas indicator. The current status indicator 820
separates the first secondary indicator 822 from the second secondary
indicator 824.

[0067]FIG. 9 depicts a method 900 of escalating or de-escalating the
alarm level associated with the current ventilator status. At indicating
operation 902, the interactive multilevel alarm system indicates a
current ventilator status by displaying a first color at a current status
indicator. The multilevel alarm system can also indicate a current
ventilator status by displaying a first combination of color and behavior
at a current status indicator. In one embodiment, the current ventilator
status is an alarm level. The different alarm levels can indicate to an
operator that a different response is needed. Exemplary alarm levels
include: a "no current alarm" or normal operation status level, a
low-level alarm condition, a medium-level alarm condition, and a high
level alarm condition. Each of the exemplary alarm levels can be
associated with a different color or different combination of color and
behavior as discussed above.

[0068] At detecting operation 904, the multilevel alarm system detects a
change in current ventilator status. The change in current ventilator
status can be either an escalation or de-escalation. An escalation occurs
when the alarm level associated with the current ventilator status
increases. For example, current ventilator status escalates when the
alarm level increases from low to medium. A de-escalation occurs when the
alarm level associated with the current ventilator status decreases in
alarm level. For example, current ventilator status de-escalates when the
alarm level decreases from medium to low.

[0069] At indicating operation 906, the multilevel alarm system indicates
a new current ventilator status at the current status indicator by
displaying a second color. The multilevel alarm system can also indicate
a new current ventilator status by displaying a second combination of
color and behavior at the current status indicator. The second color or
second color and behavior combination is associated with the escalated
alarm level or the de-escalated alarm level. As will be discussed in
greater detail below, if there is an escalation, the secondary indicator
will be changed if the new status is greater than what is currently
displayed by the secondary indicator and, if there is a de-escalation,
there will be no change in the status of the secondary indicator,

[0070]FIG. 10 depicts a method 1000 of indicating a highest historical
ventilator system status at a secondary indicator. At turn on operation
1002, the ventilator is turned on. Turning on can be accomplished by
plugging the ventilator in, depressing an "on" switch, awaking the
ventilator from sleep mode, or any other known method for turning on a
machine.

[0071] At display operation 1004 the alarm system indicates an initial "no
alarm" status at both indicators. A "no alarm" is displayed because the
ventilator is yet to communicate a predetermined alarm condition to the
alarm system that would cause the alarm system to display an alarm. The
"no alarm" status is indicated on both the current status indicator and
secondary indicator. The current status indicator and secondary indicator
indicate a "no alarm" status by displaying a color or combination of
color and behavior at the current status indicator and secondary
indicator. As discussed with reference to FIG. 9, the color or
combination of color and behavior is associated with an alarm level
indicating the patient's "no-alarm" ventilatory status.

[0072] At monitor operation 1006, the multilevel alarm system monitors the
ventilatory status of the patient. As discussed above, the alarm system
is communicatively coupled to the controller. The alarm system monitors
the ventilatory status of the patient by communicating with the
controller and waiting for a change in status.

[0073] At change operation 1008, the multilevel alarm system awaits a
change in current ventilatory status of the patient. As discussed above,
this change is detected from communication with the controller during the
monitoring operation 1006. As discussed with reference to FIG. 9, the
change in ventilator status can be an escalation or de-escalation in
alarm level. If a change in current status is not detected, the method
1000 returns to monitor operation 1006. If a change in current status is
detected, the method 1000 advances to change current status operation
1010.

[0074] At change current status operation 1010, the alarm status displayed
by the current status indicator is changed to indicate a new current
status. A new current status is indicated by displaying a new color or
new combination of color and behavior at the current status indicator. As
discussed with reference to FIG. 9, the new current status color or new
current status combination of color and behavior is associated with the
escalated alarm level or the de-escalated alarm level.

[0075] At compare operation 1012, the new current status is compared to
the last highest current status. The multilevel alarm system compares the
new current status to the last highest current status to determine
whether the new current status is greater than or equal to the last
highest current status. The new current ventilator status is greater than
or equal to the last highest current status if the alarm level of the new
current ventilator status is greater than or equal to the alarm level of
the last highest current status. For example, if the new current
ventilator status is "medium" and the last highest current status was
"medium", "low", or "normal", then the new current status is greater than
or equal to the last highest current status. On the other hand, if the
new current status is "medium" and the last highest current status was
"high", then the current status is less than the last highest current
status.

[0076] If, at compare operation 1012, the multilevel alarm system
determines that the new current status is less than the last current
status, the secondary alarm level is maintained. This is because under
this process flow, the secondary alarm level will only be maintained when
the current alarm level is less than a previous alarm level or levels.
The method 1000 then returns monitor operation 1006.

[0077] If at compare operation 1012, the multilevel alarm system
determines that the new current status is greater than or equal to the
last highest current status, an upgrade secondary alarm operation 1014 is
performed. In operation 1014, the multilevel alarm system displays the
new current status color or the new current status combination of color
and behavior at the secondary indicator to indicate the highest
historical ventilator system status. Since the multilevel alarm system
has not activated an alarm greater than the current status level, the
secondary indicator displays the same color or the same combination of
color and behavior as the current status indicator.

[0078] FIG. 11 depicts a method 1100 for providing interactivity with the
interactive multilevel alarm system of the ventilator when the alarm is
in an alarm state. At provide operation 1102, the alarm system provides a
first and second interactive indicator. In one embodiment, the first and
second interactive indicator are visible in a 360 degree arc when viewed
from a predetermined height. As discussed previously, the first
interactive may be a current status indicator and the second interactive
indicator may be a secondary indicator. The first and second interactive
indicators can further be comprised of multiple zones.

[0079] At generate operation 1104, the alarm system generates an alarm
indication associated with the alarm state via the first interactive
indicator. As discussed above, the alarm condition may be a visual
indicator associated with the alarm state. For example, and alarm state
of "high" is associated with a red visual indicator. In this embodiment,
the first interactive indicator would display a red light. In another
embodiment, the alarm indication is an audible alarm associated with an
alarm state. In another embodiment, the alarm indication includes a
combination of audible and visual alarms.

[0080] At detect operation 1106, the alarm system detects an operator's
input at one of the first and second interactive indicators. In one
embodiment, one or more of the indicators are touch sensitive and the
alarm system detects an operator's touch. In another embodiment, the
indicator may be a simple push switch that can be depressed by an
operator's finger. In another embodiment, the operator's input is
detected at a different indicator than the indicator generating the alarm
indication.

[0081] At determine operation 1108, the alarm system determines a type of
input corresponding to the operator's input. In one embodiment, the type
of input might be a tap. In another embodiment, the type of input might
be a touch starting from the left and going to the right. In another
embodiment, the type of input might be a touch starting from the right
and going to the left.

[0082] At modify 1110, the alarm system modifies the indicator alarm based
on the determined type of input and the interactive indicator at which
the operator's input was detected. In one embodiment, if the alarm system
determines that the type of input is a tap on the current status
indicator, the alarm system may adjust the audible alarm. In another
embodiment, if the alarm system determines that the type of input is a
tap on the secondary indicator, the alarm system may clear the historical
status level so that the historical status level is rest to the current
status level. In an alternative embodiment, the interaction with the
alarm indicators may not affect the indicator's condition, but rather may
change the audible alarm or perform some other function. In another
embodiment, if the alarm system determines that the input was received at
a first indicator, it may modify the alarm indication at both the first
and second indicators. In another embodiment, if the alarm system
determines that the input was received at the second indicator, it may
only modify the alarm condition at the second indicator.

[0083] In yet another embodiment, the operator could bring up a control
panel/cause the ventilator to display a graphical user interface
associated with the alarm condition by touching the current status or
secondary indicator. For example, touching the secondary indicator could
bring up a historical log of alarms and identify which condition or
occurrence resulted in the secondary indicator being escalated to its
current alarm state. For example, if the secondary indicator is latched
on a medium alarm, the operator could press the secondary indicator and
be immediately presented with the alarm log showing the first (or every)
medium alarm event that has occurred since the last alarm reset. In
addition to the alarm log, other windows associated with an alarm may
also be presented in response to an indicator touch. In an embodiment, if
the alarm is associated with a specific setting on the ventilator, a
window could also be displayed allowing the operator immediate access to
the setting. Similarly, if the alarm is associated with a specific
patient physiological parameter (e.g., minute volume, respiration rate,
etc.), a window could be presented showing the historical data which
caused the alarm.

[0084] It will be clear that the systems and methods described herein are
well adapted to attain the ends and advantages mentioned as well as those
inherent therein. Those skilled in the art will recognize that the
methods and systems within this specification may be implemented in many
manners and as such is not to be limited by the foregoing exemplified
embodiments and examples. For example, the operations and steps of the
embodiments of methods described herein may be combined or the sequence
of the operations may be changed while still achieving the goals of the
technology. In addition, specific functions and/or actions may also be
allocated in such as a way as to be performed by a different module or
method step without deviating from the overall disclosure. In other
words, functional elements being performed by a single or multiple
components, in various combinations of hardware and software, and
individual functions can be distributed among software applications. In
this regard, any number of the features of the different embodiments
described herein may be combined into one single embodiment and alternate
embodiments having fewer than or more than all of the features herein
described are possible.

[0085] While various embodiments have been described for purposes of this
disclosure, various changes and modifications may be made which are well
within the scope of the present invention. Numerous other changes may be
made which will readily suggest themselves to those skilled in the art
and which are encompassed in the spirit of the disclosure and as defined
in the appended claims.